Scottish National Hunt Racing - Scottish National Betting Grand National 2014 Tips Scottish National Hunt Racing England and Ireland tend to dominate the headlines in terms of National Hunt racing. However, Scottish National Hunt racing has a long and rich history  with events like the Scottish Grand National dating all the way back to 1867. National Hunt racing in Scotland is also hugely popular, with as many as 17,000 spectators attending a single race meeting such as the Scottish Grand National Festival Saturday. Two racecourses in Scotland  Ayr Racecourse and the Kelso Racecourse  currently host graded National Hunt races. Each year in February, the Kelso Racecourse hosts the Premier Kelso Novices Hurdle  a Grade 2 race over 2 miles, 2 furlongs, for horses four years and older. In April, Ayr Racecourse hosts two Grade 2 races  the Future Champion Novices Chase and the Scottish Champion Hurdle  as part of the Scottish Grand National Festival. The Future Champion Novices Chase is run over 2 miles, 4 furlongs, by horses five years and older.

The Scottish Champion Hurdle is run over 2 miles, by horses four years and older. The Scottish Grand National itself  a chase run over 4 miles, 1 furlong  is a National Hunt Grade 3 race. Format of National Hunt Races National Hunt races  as opposed to flat races  include fence or hurdle jumps. Chase races are run over distances between 2 and 4½ miles, with fences at a minimum height of 4½ feet. Hurdling races occur over distances between 2 and 3½ miles, and include hurdles at a minimum height of 3½ feet. With these obstacles taken on at high speed, events like the Scottish Grand National offer unparalleled excitement and spectacle. Another characteristic of Scottish National Hunt racing is that many events are limited to horses older than four or five years. In the early days of National Hunt racing, most races were contested only by thoroughbreds. In modern times, many National Hunt racing champions have mixed ancestry. Visit our Scottish Grand National odds page for tips before placing your bets for the 2009 Scottish National Hunt racing season.

[ts_sports] Scottish Grand National 2017 | Odds | Runners | Betting | Tips | Ayr BET NOW Scottish Grand National Betting 2017 One of the sporting highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar the Scottish Grand National will attract some of the finest staying chasers from the UK & Ireland, as they embark on an energy-sapping 3m, 7f 176y in a quest to be crowned the winner of the Ayr Racecourse marathon. Down the years some of the biggest names in the national hunt arena have lined up for this blue riband event and the standout name has to be the legendary Red Rum, who won three Aintree Grand National crowns before etching his name in the illustrious roll of honour north of the border to highlight the attraction of this great event. 2016 Scottish Grand National Result 16:10 Coral Scottish Grand National Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (3m 7f 176y) 1. Vicente - S Twiston-Davies - P Nicholls 14/1 2. Alvarado - P Moloney - F O'Brien 25/1 3.

Seeyouatmidnight - S Fox (5) - S Thomson 14/1 4. Royale Knight - B Powell - Dr R Newland 20/1 5. Vyta Du Roc - D Jacob - N Henderson 8/1 JF 28 Ran 2016 Scottish Grand National Preview Cause Of Causes was a sparkling winner at the Cheltenham Festival last month, and the Irish raider will aim to build on that effort by storming to victory in the Scottish Grand National, which takes centre stage on April 16, but there will be a plethora of classy staying handicap chasers head to Ayr for their showpiece event. Willie Mullins will bid for another big-race success and is set to unleash Measureofmydreams, who was third in the Cheltenham Festival four-miler, whilst Tony Martin's Heathfield is an intriguing runner in the lower echelons of the handicap and is another prominent figure in the 2016 Scottish Grand National Betting , which is sure to be a wide open affair.

Vicente will fly the flag for Paul Nicholls, as he looks to challenge for the Top British Trainers' Championships, while Seeyouatmidnight, Vyta Du Roc and Royale Knight are just another trio of exciting entries set to take their chance in one of the jumping highlights towards the end of the National Hunt season. Scottish Grand National Odds The Scottish Grand National takes place towards the end of the National Hunt winter season, and is a very popular betting market. Ante-post betting markets become available at the start of the winter national hunt season, but the Scottish Grand National odds tend to change considerably as the season unfolds. The odds of course are governed by the results of other major handicap steeplechase events. We have put together a selection of Scottish Grand National free bets for you take advantage of before the race. The Elk was the first Scottish Grand National winner, back in 1867, which indicates that the Scottish Grand National history is a long and illustrious one. The race was originally hosted by Bogside racecourse where it was run over a distance of 3 miles and 7 furlongs, before being moved to Ayr in 1966.

The recent Scottish Grand National Roll of Honour highlights the past 15 winners Please note Scottish Grand national Travel information and Scottish Grand National ticket information if you are intending to attend the race in 2016. 2017 Scottish Grand National Form All punters have their own way of choosing their selections for the 2016 Scottish Grand National and whilst some will opt to choose the name or colour that is synonymous with something in their life, but many enjoy trailing through the recent form of each horse and in what shape they will head to Ayr in for the big race on April 16. Our 2016 Scottish Grand National Form Guide will take a look at a plethora of leading contenders for the marathon and touch on their previous outings in the season and whether they can use their early season form as a springboard to Scottish National glory in what is one of the sporting highlights of the season north of the border.

2017 Scottish Grand National Runners The list of Scottish Grand National Runners is now available at the 48 hour stage and there is a full list of 30 runners going to post at Ayr on Saturday and there will be a multitude of runners in with a genuine chance of landing the coveted prize with the likes of Cause Of Causes, Measureofmydreams and Vyta Du Roc catching the eye in the entry list. 2017 Scottish Grand National Tips The Scottish Grand National Meeting is now two days of great action and we shall be following race throughout the Festival very closely. The Scottish Grand National Tips are always popular as we look to help punters find a winner or or two over the course of the weekend at Ayr. There are also some trends and pointers that are useful betting aids and they can be studied before punters have that all important bet. Latest Betting Latest Racing News Scottish Grand National Ayr | UK Ireland Horse Racing Results Friday, 20th January 2017 Ayr Racecourse The Ayr racecourse is a premium racecourse in Scotland, sponsoring both Flat and National Hunt fixtures. In the area of 25 Ayr has on average days each year, racing.

Ayr Racecourse is host to the Ayr Gold Cup, the Scottish Grand National along with a bunch of other precious races during the 12-month racing programme of it is. The highlights of jump season are the Scottish Grand National, held in April, so after the Aintree equivalent that has many top performers or only a few weeks taking in both races. None has thus far emulated the great Red Rum, who won both races in 1974. The 6 furlong Ayr Gold Cup, run in the Western Assembly in September is one of the very most competitive sprints in the Flat Racing schedule. Ayr Race Course, Whitletts Road, Ayr, KA8 0JE Telephone: 01292 264179 / Scottish Grand National, Ayr Scottish Grand National, Ayr Ayr Race Course The Scottish Grand National is the highlight of the National Hunt racing calendar, and is held in April each year, open to horses aged five or over. Ayr is home to Scotland's premier racing track, though it is only comparatively new, being opened in 1907.

Prior to this, the racecourse was in the Seafield area of Ayr – this site is now a playing area referred to as the Old Racecourse – and is also part of the Seafield Golf Course. In fact, horse racing has been documented as being popular in Ayr all the way back to the 1500s. Interest in the sport can be traced back to 1576 with the first organised race being held in 1771. The first Ayr Gold Cup took place in 1804. Throughout the years, Ayrshire’s landed gentry have supported horse racing both financially and in the breeding of horses. The Grand National The original Grand National (held in Renfrewshire) sported a three mile course (compared to today's track which is over four miles and contains 27 fences). In 1966, Ayr hosted the Scottish Grand National for the first time, as Bogside Racecourse at Irvine (the previous venue) had closed the year before.

In 1950, the jumps course at Ayr was established, enabling the hosting of the Grand National, and from then on the race site continued to develop till, in the late 1990s, it became obvious that a new owner would need to be found for the racecourse to ensure refurbished facilities and greater investment. Since that point, over £20 million of improvements have been made, including the creation of and upgrading to the Banqueting and Conference Centre, fine restaurants, private boxes, and improved paddock area and parade ring. The Scottish Grand National does suffer from being held the week after the English Grand National, meaning that occasionally some booked-in horses may be unable to compete, but it is likely that around 25 horses will enter and run each year. Red Rum did manage to win both the 1974 Grand National at Aintree, and the Scottish Grand National a few days later! Where to stay in Ayr We can offer a varied choice of accommodation in the Ayrshire area and throughout the South West of Scotland in general. Whether you choose to stay in Ayr itself, elsewhere on the coast, or a little further inland, there’s plenty of choice for all pockets and all requirements.

We can offer guest houses, holiday cottages, hotels, and even caravans and holiday parks, so take a look at our accommodation deals below today. Accommodation in Ayr Prestwick (1.7 miles from the centre of Ayr) Prices from Per week (seasonal) sleeps 4 Holiday apartment in Prestwick overlooking the golf course and close to the beach with the airport also nearby. Two double bedrooms, contemporary furnishings throughout. Ayr (0.1 miles from the centre of Ayr) Prices from Per double room per night (2 sharing) Rating from 193 reviews Welcoming Ayr Bed & Breakfast offering a range of stylish ensuite accommodation for couples, families or solo guests. Free Wi-Fi service, patio garden & parking. Rating from 193 reviews Cumnock (13.7 miles from the centre of Ayr) Sleeps 4 Per week (seasonal), sleeps 4 This terraced cottage in Cumnock sleeps four people in two bedrooms. Scottish Grand National - Latest Odds, Runners & Tips The Scottish National The Coral Scottish Grand National will be run in April 2016 at Ayr Racecourse.

31 ran in the 2015 renewal with only eleven managing to complete the course. Of those, Wayward Prince was the winner for trainer Hilary Parrott, with Robert Dunne on board. Goonyella came in second and Benbens finished in third place. For full odds for all the horses entered in the 2015 Scottish Grand National, please check above once bookmakers offer ante-post bets before the final line-up has been declared. The race was originally run at a course near Houston, Renfrewshire in 1858 and known as the “West of Scotland Grand National”. The race at that time consisted of 32 jumps which were mainly stone walls. In 1867 the race moved to Bogside Racecourse, near Irvine. The inaugural winner at Bogside, The Elk, was owned by the Duke of Hamilton. During the early part of its history the race’s distance was about three miles. It was later extended to 3⅞ miles, and became known by its present title in 1880, when it was won by Peacock. Bogside Racecourse closed in 1965, and the Scottish Grand National was transferred to Ayr the following year.

At this point the race was increased to its present length. Several winners of the Scottish Grand National have also won its English counterpart at Aintree. The first to complete the double was Music Hall, the winner of the 1922 Grand National. The feat has been achieved more recently by Little Polveir and Earth Summit, but the only horse to win both races in the same year was Red Rum in 1974. Scottish National Stats To the winner the spoils 27 Fences 27 fences till the finish Around 30 Horses Runners in this years race 4 Miles From start to finish Ayr Racecourse Ayr Racecourse is the home of the Scottish Grand National. Ayr is recognised as the premier Racecourse in Scotland, with the Scottish Grand National being the highlight of National Hunt racing calendar north of the border. The course was opened in 1907 and stages both National Hunt and flat racing. However, racing in the Ayr region can be traced back to the 1500’s. The National Hunt course was only added to Ayr in the 1950s which enable year round racing.

The first Scottish Grand National was run on the course in 1966. Previously the Scottish Grand National was run on the Bogside Racecourse at Irvine. The closure of the Irvine course in 1965 gave Ayr the chance to stage Scotland’s premier National Hunt race, which it has done every year since then. Direction One and a half mile circuit including 210 yard run in Undulation It runs downhill to the home turn and thereafter there is a gentle rise to the finish Obstacles 9 chase fences in one circuit The Scottish Grand National is a Grade 3 National Hunt steeplechase for horses aged 5 and above. The course distance is 4 miles and 110 yards. The total number of fences to be jumped by the runners is 27. The fences are generally considered to be less formidable than those at Aintree. The race also has considerable less runners than the Aintree Grand National, usually around 25. In many ways the Scottish Grand National is more similar to the Irish Grand National than it’s English counterpart. Tickets for the Scottish Grand National can be bought online from the official Ayr Racecours website .

Prices start at around £20 for adults and children under 16 go free (with paying adult). Ayr Racecourse also offer discounts for senior citizens and group bookings – see website for details. Finding Ayr You might like to read more about… Start Time Scottish Grand National - UK Net Guide Scottish Grand National By Ben Fick What you need to know: The Scottish Grand National is a Grade 3 National Hunt Steeplechase run over 4 miles and 110 yards at Ayr Racecourse. It is run on the weekend after the English Grand National and is the highlight of the Scottish Racing Calendar, attracting the best racecourses and jockeys from across the UK. It was first run in 1858, but has only been held at Ayr Racecourse since the closure of the Bogside Racecourse in 1965. The only horse to win the English and Scottish Grand Nationals in the same year is Red Rum. The 2014 winner of the Scottish Grand National was ‘Al Co’ ridden by Jamie Moore and trained by Peter Bowen. What is the Scottish Grand National?

The Scottish Grand National is a Grade 3 National Hunt Steeplechase which takes place once a year at Ayr Racecourse, in the pretty coastal town of Ayr, located to the south west of Glasgow. It is a handicap race which is run over a distance of approximately 4 miles and 110 yards (a shade of 6.5km) and includes no fewer than 27 fences. It is held in mid-April each year, usually the weekend after the English Grand National takes places at Aintree. It is the feature race of the 2-day Scottish Grand National Festival Meeting at Ayr. The race is currently sponsored by bookmakers Coral and is therefore known as the Coral Scottish Grand National. History of the Scottish Grand National: The Scottish Grand National can trace its history back as far as 1858 when the inaugural running of what was then called the West of Scotland Grand National took place at a course near Houston, in Renfrewshire. This original course consisted of 32 jumps, many of which were stone walls and therefore fairly unforgiving on the legs of any horses that made a mistake. The prize money for these initial races was around £100.

In 1867, after fewer than 10 runnings, the location of the race changed following objections made by the Free Church of Scotland leader in Houston. It was therefore moved to the Bogside Racecourse, located on the banks of the River Irvine in Irvine, Ayrshire. This undulated right-handed course was a challenging one, and the race was initially run over three miles here. The first running at Bogside was won by a horse called ‘The Elk’. It would later be lengthened to almost four miles. The name of the race changed from being the West of Scotland Grand National to simply the Scottish Grand National in 1880, and the name of the first horse to clinch the title under this new name was ‘Peacock’. Sadly in 1965 the Bogside Racecourse closed down, and this necessitated the transfer of the Scottish Grand National to a new home. This home was Ayr Racecourse, which has hosted the race ever since. BY the time the race moved, prize money had grown to £5,436. The most successful horses in the Scottish Grand National have won the race three times and are a very select group.

Just three can lay claim to this to date; Couvrefeu II who won three back-to-back races in 1911, 1912, and 1913; Southern Hero, which was successful in 1934, 1936, and 1939; and Queen’s Taste, which won the race in 1953, 1954, and 1956. Several horses have managed to win both the English and Scottish Grand Nationals during their career starting with Music Hall in the 1920’s, and including more recent horses Little Polveir and Earth Summit. Only one horse has managed to win both races in the same year; the incomparable Red Rum. The most successful jockey of all time is Charlie Cunningham who won four races at Bogside in the 1800’s, but the most successful in recent times is Mark Dwyer, who won three times at Ayr, on Andromeda in 1984 and 1985, and on Moorcroft Boy in 1996.

Two trainers have managed to win the race on five occasions to date, Neville Crump, whose winners came between 1949 and 1983, and Ken Oliver, who successes were achieved between 1963 and 1982. The 2014 running of the race was won by ‘Al Co’ ridden by Jamie Moore and trained by Peter Bowen. The 2015 Scottish Grand National: This year’s Scottish Grand National at Ayr Racecourse will be held on Saturday 18th April and once again it will be one of the highlights of the Scottish racing calendar, with a full house at the course as well as millions of viewers tuning in to live coverage on Channel 4 in the UK, and also across the world. As always there is also a high quality field of some of the UKs best chasers vying for the victory, as well as the very best National Hunt jockeys and trainers taking part. This includes 19 times Champion Jockey Tony McCoy in what will be his final Scottish Grand National appearance.

One horse to keep an eye on is ‘Gallant Oscar’, trained by Tony Martin, who hasn’t run since the Cheltenham Festival having missed out on a place at the English Grand National, and who will fighting fit and raring to go. Another serious contender will be ‘Sam Winner’ trained by Paul Nicholls who is seen as a real stayer over these sorts of distances on his day. The David Pipe trained ‘Broadway Buffalo’ will also be there or thereabouts having shown significant improvements over fences this season. Last year’s winner ‘Al Co’ will again be expected to feature at the tail end of the race as will ‘Catching On’ trained by Jonjo O’Neill, who fell in his last outing at the Midlands National, but is still popular with the punters. One more name to keep an eye on is Sego Success. The 2015 Scottish Grand National - This years' Runners: The line-up for the 2015 Scottish Grand National has been confirmed and it is all set to be a highly competitive and captivating race.

The full list of horses taking part is: Gallant Oscar Ahead of the race you can find our exclusive latest live odds right here: The Scottish Grand National Festival at Ayr Racecourse: The Scottish Grand National Festival is the highlight of the racing season at Ayr Racecourse and is arguably the best festival of National Hunt Racing to take place in Scotland. In former years the card around the Scottish Grand National has been pretty barren, but in more recent times it has improved beyond all recognition. The two day festival starts on the Friday with some fine handicap events across the seven races taking place, including The Scotty Brand Handicap Chase and the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase. The main draw on the Saturday is of course the feature race itself, but the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle and the Jordan Electrics Ltd Champion Novices Chase also attract top quality fields as well as some serious interest in betting shops around the world. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the festival and enjoy the carnival atmosphere as well as the high quality racing that is on offer. As befits such an occasion, Ayr Racecourse offers all of the facilities and hospitality you would expect from a world class horse racing venue.

There are a range of dining facilities, all of which high quality fare alongside spectacular views across the course. The Chancellor Restaurant has been recently refurbished and now offers table service across two levels. The Roman Warrior Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Princess Royal Stand and offers a great view of the finishing line as well as a fine atmosphere and an a la carte menu. Meanwhile the Red Rum Restaurant is a smaller affair on the 3rd floor of the Princess Royal Stand and has views across both the track and the Parade Ring as well as intimate dining for up to 60 people. There are also a range of Private Boxes available in both the Princess Royal and the Rothesay Stand. Tickets can be purchased online from the official Ayr Racecourse website . Further Reading: For more details on the Scottish Grand National, and other National Hunt and Flat Racing in Scotland, take a look at the Scottish Racing official website . If you are thinking you might have a bet on the Scottish Grand National, you will definitely want to check out our Guide on How to bet on a Horse . And if you are the sort of person to prefer placing your bets online from the comfort of your own home, you will want to take a look at Top 10 Sports Betting websites .

18/04/2015 Scottish Grand National | Horse Racing FA Cup Held in April each year, the Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase at Ayr Racecourse is one of the four great Grand Nationals of the jump racing season. It is preceded by Decemberï¿½s Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and is nestled snuggly between the Grand National at Aintree and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. As a Group 3, Class 1 National Hunt chase, the Scottish Grand National is a handicap race open to horses aged five years and upwards. It covers a distance of four miles and half a furlong on the left-handed turf of Ayrï¿½s circular track measuring one mile and four furlongs. Along the way, twenty-seven fences must be negotiated. The very first running of the Scottish Grand National was in 1867 at the Bogside Racecourse in Irvine, which remained its home until the course closed in 1966.

Prior to the move, which involved a lengthening of the race, three horses managed the hat-trick at over the original distance of three miles and seven furlongs: Couvrefeu II in 1911, 1912 and 1913; Southern Hero in 1934, 1936 and 1939; and Queen`s Taste in 1953, 1954 and 1956. Since the relocation, the Ayr venue has produced many memorable performances, not the least of which being the consecutive wins by jockey Mark Dwyer aboard Androma in 1984 and 1985, followed by a third victory on Moorcroft Boy in 1996. The only other jockey/horse combination in recent history to win the Scottish Grand National back-to-back was Paul Kelleway on Barona in 1975~76.

In the new millennium, trainer Ferdy Murphy has worked some magic at Ayr, claiming first place finishes with three different entries: Paris Pike in 2000, Joes Edge in 2005, and Hot Weld in 2007. Nigel Twisten-Davies has kept apace, training the 2009 winner, Hello Bud, after having entered two victors in the previous decade: Captain Dribble in 1992 and Earth Summit in 1996. In fact, Earth Summit is one of the few horses to have won both the Scottish Grand National and its English counterpart at Aintree, which happened in 1998. Music Hall was the first to accomplish it in 1920/1922. The feat was achieved by Little Polveir in 1987/1989. But only one horse has ever managed to win them both in the same year; that occurred in 1974, when the double champion was none other than the famed Red Rum. Much like the other Grand Nationals, the Scottish version is preceded by celebrations and preliminary races known as the two-day Scottish Grand National Festival.

Sponsored by Coral bookmakers, the 2011 chase carried a purse of ï¿½180,000, which was off slightly from the ï¿½200,000 awarded in 2010. To the winner goes more than ï¿½100,000. Given its importance, the race tends to draw a crowded field. The most recent edition saw 30 entries start, of which 13 finished. The winner by ï¿½ lengths was Irelandï¿½s nine-year-old gelding Beshabar at 13/2 odds, outlasting the 2010 winner Merigo (12/1) and leaving favourite Chicago Grey (5/1) a distant eighth. Despite being a handicap, the Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase is a true marathon and tends to be a very open race, stretching the horses out like long-distance runners by the finish. Winners at long odds are not uncommon here, and free bets offered by bookmakers are quite plentiful in the weeks leading up to post time.

In 2011, for example, a ï¿½200 promotion was being offered by bet365, a ï¿½30 free bet by ladbrokes, ï¿½20 at paddypower, and ï¿½125 at extrabet.com. Straight bets on the outright winner of the Scottish Grand National are the most common ante post wagers, but bookmakers offer more exotic markets, too. Popular choices are Exacta or Perfecta bets for 1st & 2nd in order, Trifecta for predicting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in order, and Quinella for the first two runners in either order. These have significantly longer odds with minimums starting at as little as 10p. Comment on this event Ayr – talkHorseRacing Ayr Introduction Ayr racecourse is situated in the town of the same name in the west of Scotland. It is a dual-purpose track which hosts both National Hunt and flat racing, including the Scottish National and the Gold Cup.

The track is a wide, left-handed, galloping oval with only minor undulations and is 1 mile and 4 furlongs long. The National Hunt track is one of the fastest in Britain and has a 210 yard run-in. History Racing is said to have taken place in Ayr as far back as the 16th century but the first documented meeting was in 1777. The famous Ayr Gold Cup was first introduced in 1804 and it was won the first two years by Chancellor. Ayr Racecourse Just over a hundred years later, in 1907, the course moved from Racecourse Road to its current location in Whitletts Road, just a short distance away. In 1950, a jumps course was introduced and, in 1966, when the racecourse at Boghall closed, the Scottish Grand National was moved to Ayr. In 2003, the course was sold by the Western Meeting Club and an ambitious £35 million redevelopment programme was started by its new owners.

Ayr’s Famous Races As Scotland’s premier racecourse, Ayr hosts the Scottish Grand National in April each year and the Ayr Gold Cup Festival in September. The Scottish Grand National has been held since 1867, originally at Boghall. It is run over 4 miles and 110 yards, slightly longer than the Boghall course, and is open to horses of five years or more. It is a handicap race and popular with horses who have run in the Grand National at Aintree. The Festival is Scotland’s richest jumps meeting, with £200,000 prize money at stake for the National and over half a million for the Festival as a whole. Over 20,000 spectators are expected at Ayr over the two day Festival and almost a million watched the live coverage on Channel 4 last year. The Gold Cup Festival was first held in 1804 when it was run over two separate two mile heats. Nowadays it is a much shorter race at only six furlongs. It is open to thoroughbreds of three years and over.

The 28 heaviest horses compete, whilst the next 28 run the previous day on the same course and distance in the Ayr Silver Cup. Fixtures Fixtures are held year round with 28 on the calendar for 2008. For full details of all fixtures see the appropriate page of the official website . Tickets Generally speaking, prices start at £14 for the Grandstand and £20 for the Club Enclosure, although there is a varied pricing structure and tickets for meetings such as the Scottish National and the Ayr Gold Cup are higher. Discounts are available to groups, 16 to 24 year olds and senior citizens if booked in advance. For full details see the website . Annual membership is available at £260. Tickets can be bought online or by phoning 0870 850566. Eating and Drinking There is a wide variety of places to eat and drink at Ayr racecourse, from fast food at several outlets, including a fish and chip van, to a formal meal at the Roman Warrior and Chancellor Carvery restaurants, both located in the Princess Royal Stand.

If you fancy a beer and a pie then the Cree Lodge is your best bet, whilst champagne and locally caught seafood can be sampled at the Seafood and Champagne bar. Some of the facilities can be booked and some are open to members only. For full details see the appropriate page of the website . On Scottish National day there is a tented village with extra bars and a food court. Dress Code There is no full dress code for the Grandstand, although no vests or football and rugby tops are allowed. In the Club enclosure, a smart casual code applies and jeans and trainers are banned along with casual shirts, vests, rugby and football shirts. Many race goers enjoy dressing glamorously, particularly at the Ladies’ Day meetings. Travel By Road The racecourse is accessible by the A77 from Glasgow or the A70, A75 or A76 from the east of Scotland. By Rail There are good rail links from the rest of Scotland and the racecourse is only a five minute bus ride from the station, or a twenty minute walk. If coming from the south, Ayr is on the London Euston line. By Air Glasgow airport is a 45 minute drive from the racecourse and Prestwick only fifteen minutes.

Helicopters are permitted to land at the course by prior arrangement. By Sea Ferries to Belfast run from Troon, a 15 minute drive from the course and there is also a service from Stranraer to Cairnryan. Scottish Grand National Runners 2016 | Contenders | Tips | Entries | Ayr Scottish Champion Hurdle Odds Arcadia Champion Novice Chase Scottish National Betting This is not the official site of the Scottish Grand National and makes no attempt to pass itself off as being so. This site is not associated with Ayr Racecourse and is a horse racing betting guide only. National Hunt Racing The main betting interest of the National Hunt season are the Cheltenham Odds from the racing festival that takes place in March. Aside this four days of fantastic racing, the single biggest race of the year is without any doubt the Aintree Grand National which is held early in April each year. Responsible Gambling Racecourses | Marten Julian | Horse Racing News visit website Ascot Racecourse Ascot is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, home of Royal Ascot and host of 16 of the UK’s 75 annual Group/Grade 1 races.

In 2012Â the worldâs four top horses on official ratings ran at Ascot, something no other venue could claim and king of them all, of course, was the mighty Frankel.The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, traditionally the busiest day of the week and colloquially known as âLadiesâ Dayâ.Â Tel: 0844 346 3000 visit website Ayr Racecourse Ayr Racecourse is Scotland’s Premier Racecourse. A dual purpose track, holding both National Hunt and Flat fixtures, Ayr stages year round racing including highlights the Coral Scottish Grand National in April and the Gold Cup Festival in September. What was a sleeping giant has now become a vibrant multi purpose business.Â Tel:Â 01292 264179 visit website Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is a left-handed jumps racecourse set in glorious countryside and overlooked by the Welsh hills.

The only Racecourse in the country that doesn’t have a Grandstand, Bangor-on-Dee has a unique character with a main grass viewing bank which provides a natural amphitheatre to the racing action. In 2002, Bangor-on-Dee joined up with sister track Chester Racecourse, where you can enjoy flat racing during the summer months. Tel: 01978 780323 visit website Bath Racecourse Ideally situated on Lansdown Hill overlooking the picturesque Roman City of Bath, Bath Racecourse is the highest racecourse in Britain and is known for being intimate, relaxed and friendly. During October 2015, Bath Racecourse commenced a multi-million pound redevelopment funded by Arena Racing Company, the largest group of racecourses in the UK.Â Tel: 01225 424609 visit website Beverley Racecourse Situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Beverley has been a thoroughbred horse racing venue for close to 300 years. The right-handed flat course, just over one mile and three furlongs in length, boasts modern facilites which can accommodate all varieities of enthusiast from corporate entertainment to family picnics.

Tel: 01482 867488 visit website Brighton Racecourse Brighton Racecourse, location in the heart of Brighton City, is a vibrant venue for a day out with family and friends, or the corporate experience. The current course is a mile and a half long, but it used to extend a further half mile across the golf course towards Roedean. In the early days four mile races could be run by starting at the winning post and “going the wrong way” before taking a loop at the two mile start and coming back in the conventional direction.Â Tel: 01273 603580 visit website Carlisle Racecourse Located in a historic border city, Carlisle Racecourse offers state of the art facilities for both race day and non race day events. Carlisle hosts the Cumberland Plate and Carlisle Bell races annually, and 2009 represents the 105th year of horse racing at the current circuit.

Carlisle RacecourseÂ racecourse is part of the The Jockey Club,Â the largest commercial group in BritishÂ horse racing.Â Â Tel: 01228 554700 visit website Cartmel Racecourse Named Small Racecourse of the Yearin the North for 2008, with its rich history and location on the Holker Estate Cartmel Racecourse offers a sense of uniqueness and charm. Recent and ongoing improvements to the course and its facilities, including a new Grandstand, have seen Cartmel develop its entertainment potential while sympathetic to its original charm. It is the local track for the Marten Julian team.

Tel: 015395 36340 visit website Catterick Racecourse Catterick Racecourse, a charming circuit set in the Northern hamlet of Catterick Bridge, provides exhilarating racing throughout the yearÂ in an intimate setting.Today, Catterick is a charming blend of old and new.Â The framework of the old 1906 stand is still evident in the present Grandstand but many alterations and improvements have taken place while maintaining the informal atmosphere.Â As well as being the busiest Racecourse in North Yorkshire with racing all year round, Catterick prides itself on being the friendliest and provides a fun relaxed day out for everyone whatever the occasion. Tel: 01748 811478 visit website CheltenhamÂ Racecourse Cheltenham, the jewel in Jump racing’s crown, plays host to the best jumping action in the world from 350 spectacular acres in the lee of the beautiful Cotswold hills.

The racecourse has a scenic location in a natural amphitheatre, a capacity of 260,000 spectators and is home to the annual Cheltenham Festival, which is widely regarded as the highlight of the National Hunt season. To go straight to their Festival page please click here .Â Tel: 01242 513014 visit website ChepstowÂ Racecourse The picturesque Wye Valley provides a breathtaking backdrop to the comprehensive racing calendar at Chepstow, which hosts both Flat and National Hunt race meetings throughout the year. Tel: 01291 622260 visit website Chester Racecourse Set within the historic city walls, Chester Racecourse offers high quality flat racing through the summer months including the May Festival, the Chester Cup, the two Epsom Derby trials, the Dee Stakes and the Chester Vase. The company is responsible for both Chester and Bangor-on Deeâs historic racecourses along with all catering and conferencing facilities on site.

Recognised as a leader in its field, Chester Racecourse was recently named Showcase Champion, an honour awarded for excellence and innovation in British Racing.Â Tel: 01244 304 600 visit website Doncaster Racecourse Following an ambitious Â£34 million redevelopment, race goers can expect a hospitality experience to match the high calibre of both the flat and jump racing hosted at Doncaster, the highlight of which is the annual Autumn Ladbroke St. Ledger Stakes. Tel: 01302 304200 visit website Epsom Downs Racecourse Epsom represents a challenge for any horse, and provides entertainment for every spectator, with its undulating course and new Duchess’ Stand. Epsom is best known among fans for hosting the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom’s premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies.

The Investec Derby is known as The Greatest Flat Race in the World.Â Tel: 01372 726311 visit website Exeter Racecourse Sitting high on the top of Haldon Hill, Exeter is the highest racecourse in the land at 850 feet, the second longest at 2 miles and has been described as not only one of the loveliest courses, but one of the fairest tracks in the country. Many a great National Hunt champion has started their career at Exeter, including Desert Orchid and three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate. Tel: 01392 832599 visit website FakenhamÂ Racecourse Fakenham Racecourse, which hosts National Hunt Racing, prides itself on its friendly, casual atmosphere with no formal dress code. In 110 years of racing at Fakenham many changes have taken place.

There is now a thriving Annual Membership, the envy of many a racecourse throughout the country.Â Tel: 01328 862388 visit website Fontwell Racecourse One of the most intimate and friendly racecourses in the country, Fontwell stages a variety of meetings throughout the year and its unique figure of eight track adds to the excitement of Jump Racing. Tel: 01243 543335 visit website Goodwood Racecourse Set on the Sussex Downs, Goodwood is home to elite racing throughout the year and, in particular, the annual âGlorious Goodwood’ festival sees the season’s top flat horses competing for more than 12 âGroup’ titles. “It’s fabulous racing and the most picturesque course in the world” (Frankie Dettori). Â Tel: 01243 755022 visit website Hamilton Park Racecourse Set in some of the most beautiful grounds in racing, Hamilton Park is an idyllic Scottish racecourse perfect for entertaining clients, staff or friends.

Tel: 01698 283806 visit website Haydock Park Racecourse Haydock Park is one of the North West’s premier horseracing venues, hosting both Flat and National Hunt racing in 127 acres of beautiful parkland. With a choice of four grandstands and 33 private viewing suites, restaurants, bars and leading conference facilities, Haydock Park is as well-known for world-class racing as it is for hosting spectacular events, attracting visitors in their thousands each year. Â Tel: 01942 725963 visit website Hereford Racecourse Situated on the edge of the Cathedral City that forms a natural gateway to the idyllic Brecon Countryside. Hereford returns after four years on Thursday 6 October 2016.Â Come and experience the season re-opener and be sure to secure your tickets quickly. Tel: 01432 273560 visit website Hexham Racecourse Located in Northumberland, Hexham Racecourse takes full advantage of a natural amphitheatre of sloping grass below the stands to provide superb viewing of horse racing as well as the magnificent surrounding countryside.

In 2015 they celebrated 125 years of racing at Hexham and it is well worth considering that without the determination and foresight of one man racing might not even exist at Hexham today.Â Tel: 01434 606881 visit website Huntingdon Racecourse Voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia by the Racegoers Club, Huntingdon Racecourse is an intimate racing venue with an atmosphere all of its own. Its a thoroughbred horse racing venue and hosts 17 jump race meetings spanning nine months of each calendar year. Tel: 01480 453373 visit website Kelso Racecourse Voted ‘Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse’ in a Sunday Times survey. Kelso is a National Hunt Racecourse staging jumps racing from SeptemberÂ through until May in the beautiful Borders countryside and picturesque town which represents a stern challenge with large, solid steeple chase fences and a long, punishing, uphill run-in..

Tel: 01573 224767 visit website Kempton Park Racecourse Kempton Park in Sunbury on Thames is a popular London horse racing and entertainment venue, with Flat evening horse racing and Jump racing alongside great facilities for both social and business events. Tel: 01932 782292 visit website Leicester Racecourse Leicester Racecourse is a dual Flat and National Hunt venue located in the EastÂ Midlands,Â hosting 31 race meetings throughout the year.Â We are not just a racecourse, we are also an outstanding venue for conferencing, weddings and so much more. Our brand new Kube event space is ideal for large scale exhibitions, conferences, weddings and events. Tel: 0116 271 6515 visit website Lingfield Park Racecourse Set in Surrey, Lingfield Park is one of the busiest racecourses in Europe and promises the excitement of Flat, National Hunt and All Weather Racing throughout the year, at least one meeting a month.

Tel: 01342 834800 visit website Ludlow Racecourse Records of racing at Ludlow date back as far as 1729 and, to this day, the course retains its Edwardian atmosphere with National Hunt racing during the winter months. They are looking forward to their first race meeting on 5th October, just 6 weeks away today 24th August.Â At the moment they are in the middle of major improvements to roads and parking areas. The Owners and Trainers Car Park, the Horse Box Park and remainder of the centre course road are being resurfaced. A new rubberised surface to the paddock and pre-parade ring is also being laid. Tel: 01584 856221 visit website Market Rasen Racecourse Set in its rural surroundings Market Rasen is the only racecourse in Lincolnshire and offers a unique experience. The friendly family atmosphere and amazing views around the course are unmatched any where in the country.

Tel: 01673 843434 visit website Musselburgh Racecourse Historic Musselburgh Links has been a venue for horse racing since 1816, and has undergone a vast transformation in the past 15 years culminating in being awarded 5 Star Visit Scotland Visitor Attraction status in December 2006. Musselburgh Racecourse has been given Royal approval to name a new race after Her Majesty The Queen. Tel: 0131 665 2859 visit website Newbury Racecourse Home to the famous Hennessy Gold Cup, Newbury offers some of the best horse racing in the country with race day hospitality to match. Offering 30 fantastic fixtures per year with a host of extra entertainment. Tel: 01635 40015 visit website Newcastle Racecourse The North East’s premier racecourse is set in the 812 acre High Gosforth Park Estate with a reputation for providing premier service in magnificent surroundings.

Tel: 0191 2362020 visit website Newmarket Racecourse Newmarket is the historic home of Horseracing, and the modern and imposing Rowley Mile boasts world class facilities as well as world class racing. Newmarket is truly special. It is a town with a rich, royal history where the thoroughbred racehorse is king. It is the town where horse racing, the “sport of kings”, was born some three and a half centuries ago and from where it was exported around the world. Tel: 01638 663482 visit website Newton Abbot Racecourse Newton Abbot is the leading summer jumping racecourse in the UK. Set in the rolling Devon countryside, you are guaranteed great racing and great fun. They have recently just celebrated their 150th anniversary in Racing Excellence. Tel: 01626 353235 visit website Nottingham Racecourse Set within 280 acres of Colwick Park, experience the thrill of a day at the races with colour, excitement, atmosphere, passion and drama at Nottingham Racecourse.

Tel: 0115 9580620 visit website Perth Racecourse Perth Racecourse is situated in what is widely recognised as one of the most picturesque settings in the country. Within the grounds of historic Scone Palace, the course skirts the banks of the mighty River Tay and weaves its way past trees that have stood for centuries, since the time when this was the playground of the Kings and Noblemen of Scotland. Tel: 01738 551597 visit website Plumpton Racecourse Nestling at the foot of the South Downs, Sussex, Plumpton Racecourse is one of the most successful smaller jump racecourses in the country and hosts approximately 16 National Hunt meetings between September and May. Tel: 01273 890383 visit website Pontefract Racecourse Pontefract Racecourse, Yorkshire, is the longest continuous circuit in Europe at 2 miles and 125 yards and stages flat racing between March and October.

Tel: 01977 702210 visit website Redcar Racecourse Set in 72 acres Redcar has a unique atmosphere and excellent facilities ensuring you will have a truly memorable day out. Tel: 01642 484068 visit website Ripon Racecourse Located in one of the country’s most beautiful and unusual cities, for more than 300 years Ripon has hosted some of the most exciting, most prestigious and most enjoyable racing in the country. Tel: 01765 530530 visit website Salisbury Racecourse Set in the middle of picturesque Wiltshire countryside, within view of stunning Salisbury Cathedral. Salisbury has a good reputation as a fair course for horses and many equine stars have won here over the centuries. Tel: 01722 326461 visit website Sandown Park Racecourse Since 1875 Sandown Park Racecourse has staged some of the UK’s most famous contests in horse racing history and has always attracted the cream of the competition, in both jump and flat racing.

Tel: 01372 464348 visit website Sedgefield Racecourse Situated in the County Durham countryside, a warm and relaxing atmosphere can always be assured where high quality facilities provide close-to-the-action views. Tel: 01740 621925 visit website Southwell Racecourse Southwell Racecourse offers a unique blend of charm, excitement and comfort, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. Tel: 01636 814481 visit website Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse Stratford Racecourse is one of the country’s leading small racecourses, with regular racing between March and the end of October. Tel: 01789 267949 visit website TauntonÂ Racecourse Taunton Racecourse, Somerset, is the youngest National Hunt racecourse in Britain and one of the most beautifully located racecourses in the country, with outstanding views across the Racecourse to the wooded slopes of the Blackdown Hills.

Tel: 01823 337172 visit website Thirsk Racecourse In 2005, Thirsk Racecourse proudly celebrated 150 years of racing at Station Road. With high quality racing, good facilities and attractive surroundings Thirsk Racecourse is a good choice for a day out at the races. Tel: 01845 522276 visit website Towcester Racecourse With a recent investment of over Â£7.5 million into the course and its facilities and set in beautiful parklands overlooking the rolling Northamptonshire countryside, Towcester Racecourse and Conference Centre is one of the most picturesque racing venues in the country. Tel: 01327 353414 visit website Uttoxeter Racecourse With 25 race meetings spread evenly throughout the year, Uttoxeter is the home of National Hunt Racing in the Winter and glorious summer jumping in the midlands.

Tel: 01889 562561 visit website Warwick Racecourse Lying a few hundred yards from Warwick Castle, Warwick Racecourse retains its historic charm and character, offering a range of elegant hospitality suites, marquees and private boxes, as well as both flat and jumps racing throughout the year. Tel: 01926 491553 visit website Wetherby Racecourse Wetherby Racecourse is unique in Yorkshire because it only stages Jump Racing and, with arguably the finest Jumping Course in the North, the quality of Wetherby’s racing is renowned. Tel: 01937 582035 visit website Wincanton Racecourse Wincanton Racecourse is set in the heart of rural Somerset and provides a mixture of excitement, action, sociability and areas to eat and drink in style. Tel: 01963 32344 visit website Windsor Racecourse Located in a unique island setting on the banks of the River Thames, Royal Windsor Racecourse boasts over 165 acres of beautiful grounds and has a very unique appeal.

Tel: 01753 498400 visit website Wolverhampton Racecourse Britain’s first floodlit horse racing track brings you the thrills of racing, day and night, throughout the year. Tel: 01902 390000 visit website Worcester Racecourse With its picturesque tree-lined track and unique position nestling on the banks of the River Severn, Worcester Racecourse offers a great day out for all the family. Tel: 01905 25364 visit website Yarmouth Racecourse Yarmouth, located in Norfolk, is a versatile racing venue with a narrow, oblong track one mile five furlongs in circumference. Tel: 01493 842527 visit website York Racecourse Award winning modern grandstands, characterful Listed buildings, manicured lawns and sublime racing set the scene at York Racecourse. Tel: 01904 620911

Question: Which racecourse hosts the Scottish Grand National in April each year?
Answer: AYR